Algeria vs DR Congo — Match Preview
A blockbuster Round of 16 clash lights up Rabat on Sunday, 4 January 2026, as North African giants Algeria take on the resilient DR Congo at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan. Les Fennecs have been imperious so far, sweeping Group C with a perfect record (3 wins from 3), scoring 7 goals and conceding just 1. They enter the knockout stages as one of the tournament favorites. However, they face a stern test against Les Léopards, who remain unbeaten in the tournament (2 wins, 1 draw), including a gritty 1–1 draw with Senegal. With a quarter-final spot on the line, this battle between Riyad Mahrez’s flair and Chancel Mbemba’s steel promises to be a classic.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Match Info
- Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (Round of 16)
- Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, Rabat (Capacity: 22,000)
- Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Kickoff: 20:00 GMT | 21:00 CET | 21:00 WAT
- Referee: TBC (CAF Appointment)
Algeria vs DR Congo — Match Stakes
- Algeria:
- Win → Advances to the Quarter-finals; maintains their status as title favorites.
- Loss → Shock elimination after a perfect group stage; considered a massive failure.
- DR Congo:
- Win → A statement victory against a top-tier side; moves to the last 8.
- Loss → Elimination, but a respectable tournament run coming out of a tough group.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Team News
Algeria:
- Aouar H. — Out (Groin Injury – Creative Hub Missing)
- Ait Nouri R. — Questionable (Illness – Key Left-back)
- Hadjam J. — Questionable (Injury)
- Tougai M. — Questionable (Injury)
- Luca Zidane — Expected to start in goal, continuing his integration into the national setup.
DR Congo:
- Stroeykens M. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Wan-Bissaka A. — Available (Key addition to the defense; huge battle vs Mahrez awaits)
- Tuanzebe A. — Available (Forming a solid partnership with Mbemba)
- Bakambu C. — Available (Veteran striker leads the line)
Algeria vs DR Congo — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Algeria
- 31/12 — 3–1 vs Equatorial Guinea (AFCON)
- 28/12 — 1–0 vs Burkina Faso (AFCON)
- 24/12 — 3–0 vs Sudan (AFCON)
- 12/12 — 1–2 vs UAE (Arab Cup)
- 09/12 — 2–0 vs Iraq (Arab Cup)
DR Congo
- 31/12 — 3–0 vs Botswana (AFCON)
- 27/12 — 1–1 vs Senegal (AFCON)
- 23/12 — 1–0 vs Benin (AFCON)
- 16/12 — 2–0 vs Zambia (Friendly)
- 17/11 — 2–1 vs Nigeria (WC Qualifier)
Algeria vs DR Congo — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 10/06/2022 — Algeria 3–0 DR Congo (Friendly)
- 11/10/2019 — Algeria 1–1 DR Congo (Friendly)
- 26/03/2008 — Algeria 1–1 DR Congo (Friendly)
- 25/01/2000 — DR Congo 0–0 Algeria (AFCON Group Stage)
- 19/03/1988 — Algeria 1–0 DR Congo (AFCON Group Stage)
Algeria vs DR Congo — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Algeria (4-3-3)
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Dorval; Boudaoui, Bennacer, Maza; Mahrez, Amoura, Hadj Moussa
DR Congo (4-2-3-1)
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Mukau; Bongonda, Sadiki, Elia; Bakambu
Algeria vs DR Congo — Impact Bench
Algeria: Gouiri (Goal threat), Chaibi (Creativity if fit)
DR Congo: Wissa (Pace on wing), Kakuta (Experience)
Algeria vs DR Congo — Tactical Analysis
Algeria
Vladimir Petković’s side has been fluid and dangerous. Even without Houssem Aouar, the midfield trio of Bennacer, Boudaoui, and the exciting Ibrahim Maza provides balance. They will look to dominate possession and isolate Riyad Mahrez against Arthur Masuaku. The pace of Mohamed Amoura upfront is their primary weapon to stretch the Congolese defense.
DR Congo
Sébastien Desabre has built a disciplined unit. The defensive additions of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe have made them incredibly tough to break down (only 1 goal conceded in Group Stage). They will sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit Algeria on the break using the speed of Meschak Elia and Théo Bongonda. Their physical advantage on set-pieces (Mbemba/Tuanzebe) could be decisive.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Key Battles
- Mahrez vs Masuaku — The Algerian captain’s magic vs the attacking fullback.
- Amoura vs Mbemba — Pure speed vs veteran positioning and strength.
- Bennacer vs Moutoussamy — The battle for midfield control.
- Bakambu vs Mandi — Can the veteran striker unsettle Algeria’s defense?
- Hadj Moussa vs Wan-Bissaka — The dribbler vs one of the world’s best 1v1 defenders.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Spotlight Players
Algeria — Mohamed Amoura
The Wolfsburg forward is electric. His ability to run in behind defenses has been key to Algeria’s perfect start. If he finds space between Tuanzebe and Mbemba, he will score.
DR Congo — Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The “Spider” has been excellent since switching allegiance. His duel with Anis Hadj Moussa (and potentially Amoura drifting wide) will determine if DR Congo can keep a clean sheet.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Prediction
Algeria 1–0 DR Congo
This will be a tight, cagey affair. DR Congo’s defense is much improved and will frustrate Algeria for long periods. However, the quality of Riyad Mahrez and the form of Amoura should be just enough to unlock the door once. Expect a narrow victory for the Fennecs.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Betting Insights
- Under 2.5 Goals — High Probability (Knockout football tension).
- Algeria to Win — Value Bet.
- Half-Time Draw — Likely.
Algeria vs DR Congo — Where to Watch
- Algeria: ENTV
- DR Congo: RTNC
- International: beIN Sports, Canal+ Afrique, CAF TV
Algeria vs DR Congo — FAQs
Q: When is the Algeria vs DR Congo match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 4 January 2026, at 20:00 GMT.
Q: Is Houssem Aouar playing?
A: No. He is ruled out with a groin injury.
Q: Who is the favorite?
A: Algeria are favorites due to their perfect group stage record and historical H2H advantage (won 3-0 in 2022).
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